Springboks vs All Blacks: Biggest match in rugby history – PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

The biggest ever Rugby World Cup final and the greatest match in rugby history is upon us with the Springboks and All Blacks fighting for everything and more.

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The Springboks vs the All Blacks. South Africa vs NZ. Rugby’s greatest rivalry is the epitome of test rugby and attrition. A natural classic and the ultimate showdown between the sports greatest nations.The ultimate tie-breaker, not just for 2023 but for Rugby World Cup trophies too.

The Boks and mighty All Blacks have won the global showpiece three times each. Now, they now go face-to-face, eye-to-eye to determine the most successful team in Rugby World Cup history.

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SPRINGBOKS VS ALL BLACKS, THE ULTIMATE DREAM FINAL

Legacies will be defined, a place in history, the elite and finest. No words can truly do justice to the magnitude of this match. Simply put, it is the biggest and greatest match in rugby history. The grandest of finals between the greatest rivals. To call it a dream final would be an understatement. The story couldn’t have been designed better. Both sides carry experience and x-factor players in abundance, brilliant rugby culture and tradition from schools through to academy’s, clubs and top players playing overseas too.

To make matters even more interesting, these sides both defeated the teams that their opponents lost to. Simply put, France beat NZ in the opener but the Springboks knocked out the French. In contrast, The Boks lost to Ireland yet the All Blacks eliminated Ireland. Additionally, both head coaches will be leaving the helm after this match. Jacques Nienaber and Ian Foster will be keen to take home the ultimate prize upon their respective exits. Ultimately, the respect between these two nations makes this match even more special (as if it needed anything else).

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Every time these sides clash we are left breathless with an enthralling, exhausting, passionate contest that exceeds human limitation and all expectation. This time, it is magnified 10-fold with the honour of conquering the world. For both sides the age-old mantra, “to be the best you have to beat the best” is taken to another level, “to become the greatest ever you have to conquer and overcome the present greatest”. In the last five years, these two teams have pushed each other to the brink and beyond. Producing countless classics and Saturday, 28 October 2023 may precede all of them.

BOKS MUST OVERCOME RECENT WORLD CUP BOGEY HEARTBREAK VS NZ

The All Blacks who somehow finds a way to beat them even when they seem to have utter dominance. In 2015, the All Blacks won a classic 20-18 in Twickenham despite the Boks having several 5m line-out opportunities to win the game. Then, in 2019, New Zealand won 23-13. Despite the Boks dominating most of the contest. This is because the All Blacks can produce magic in mere minutes. Two tries in five minutes, had the Boks chasing the game.

CLASSIC AFTER CLASSIC IN THIS EPIC AGE-OLD RIVALRY

Prior to the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the Springboks beat NZ 36-34 which ignited a belief in the side that they can actually win the RWC and a year later they did just that. They then lost a classic at Loftus by 30-32 after leading NZ 30-13 at Loftus Versfeld.

In 2019, it was the Springboks who scored at the death to draw 16-16. A match that proved decisive in them winning the shortened version of the Rugby Championship. Unfortunately, they have got the better of us in the last two Rugby World Cups.

Unfortunately, 2020 saw a global pandemic prevent the two sides from clashing. With SA sides leaving Super Rugby and a year of no test matches between the great nations. 2021 was set up to answer all the questions about the impact of SA sides leaving Super Rugby and if anything it seemed to have enticed the hunger and desire for the intensity of this rivalry.

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TEAMS CONTINUE TO ‘ONE-UP’, GETTING THE BEST OUT OF EACH OTHER

In 2021, they clashed twice in Australia and reminded the world and each other why this is the best rivalry for both nations and neutrals alike. NZ won the famous 100th test 19-17 after a late penalty stole the game from the Boks, yet again. However, it was the Boks who had the final say in 2012 after they won yet another enthralling test 31-29 courtesy of a last-minute penalty from Elton Jantjies. So, between 2018-2021 the Boks five of the six contests were within two points (or less) and all had last-minute drama to decide it.

Ironically, the recent four test matches since then have seen four relatively comfortable margins, with two comfortable records each adding more spice to the grand final of all finals. Last year, the Boks won 26-10 in Nelspruit, in one of the most dominating performances in Springboks history. However, the All Blacks bounced back with class and vigor at Ellis Park, winning 35-23 against all odds.

Finally, this year saw a dominant victory from both sides. Thus, continuing the trend of a win experienced in 2018 and the last 3 years. NZ won 35-20 after leading 20-3 at half-time although the Boks did not select their best side with Damien Willemse at 10, Kurt-lee Arendse out of the 2023 and Duane Vermeulen on the bench. In the most recent test, the Boks won 35-7 in Twickenham, their record margin of victory over the All Blacks.

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RUGBY WORLD CUP RECORDS AT STAKE

One could say that whoever wins will have to put in one of, if not, their greatest ever performances and beyond. The Springboks are undefeated in three Rugby World Cup finals and they have never conceded a try in the final. In contrast, NZ have won three of their four finals and have never failed to score against the Boks in the modern era. Furthermore, Will Jordan could break the individual try-scoring record at Rugby World Cup, surpassing Bryan Habana and Jonah Lomu if he manages to breach the Bok defence. A historic fourth Rugby World Cup beckons and ultimate prestige, bragging rights and almighty respect and reputation. To say that the world number one rankings is second prize says a lot about this contest. It is about more than rugby, livelihood, purpose, a battle of wills and the chance to become the greatest team in Rugby World Cup history.

BOLD RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL 2023 PREDICTION:

Pundits, bookmakers, former coaches, players and fans alike are divided down the middle. The only final NZ ever last was in 1995, against the Springboks. I believe it will be the tightest, most physical, strategic, skillful and epic final of all time. A titanic, monumental, blockbuster set by moments of brilliance and separated by inches. I think the difference on the day will be Jacques Nienaber and Rassie’s preparation, they have been planning for this match and moment for the last five years and any tricks or structured technical plans will be released.

The difference could very well be the ‘Bomb squad’ and their planning. The sheer passion of 60 million South Africans culminated with the planning and preparation could see the Boks win by 1-4 points. Expect last-minute drama and a game for the ages worthy of the magnitude of the occasion written in the deeply embedded history of these two sides.

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